Note from the Starkey's

Dear Clayton,

My family attends First Church of the Nazarene here in Hutchinson. I met your mom at a Bible Study several months ago. She is a very nice lady. You have been added to our prayer list and we pray for you daily. A friend of your mom's sent out a daily prayer card with your photo on it and info about this blogspot, etc. We stuck it on our microwave. We are planning to pray for your safe return every day while you are deployed.

Your mom and everyone else in the congregation yesterday morning was asked to stand if they have a relative serving in the armed forces. They also asked those people standing to pray at the altar for their loved ones in active duty/service. We watched your mom go to the front of our church to pray for you.

Now - I have a son, Noah, who thinks that he wants to be a Marine in some "special ops" capacity. He is only 13. Do you have any advice you'd like to give him? We are proud of his aspirations - I just wish we were not always having to fight overseas in the Middle East.

Know that many of your parents' friends are remembering you and your comrades in prayer. We will think of you throughout the day as we celebrate Memorial Day and thank God for people like you who serve our nation with pride and dedication.

Sincerely,

Karla & David Starkey & sons